Advice for travelling whilst pregnant

The second trimester is a great stage of pregnancy to go on holiday. You’ll likely to be feeling pretty good and it will still be safe to fly. However, there are some safety precautions you should take:

1. Avoid destinations where the Zika virus is circulating

To find out which countries are affected check out the Government website. You should also avoid destinations where malaria and dengue fever are endemic. Check your destination on www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. Countries where you will need vaccinations should be avoided – although some vaccinations are safe in pregnancy after 12 weeks, live vaccines are not.

2. Stay safe on the plane

Pregnant women who fly are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be life threatening.

Keep well hydrated, wear support stockings and get up and walk around at least once every hour to improve your circulation. Practise clenching your calf muscles by flexing your feet up and down 10 times every hour to boost circulation. Try to do this on any long car, bus or train journey too, as they also increase your risk of DVT.

If you develop pain or swelling in your leg or have chest pains or shortness of breath after flying or a long journey seek urgent medical advice.

3. Take a photocopy of your medical notes with you

Just in case you go into labour prematurely, pack your notes – they contain valuable information that will be needed by your healthcare professionals. It’s also important to know your blood group in case of an emergency.

4. Take care in the sun

You’re more prone to dehydration when you’re pregnant because of an increase in blood volume, so make sure you drink lots of water and keep your feet up to stop your ankles swelling.

Don’t forget to wear a sunscreen of factor 15 or above, a long sleeved t-shirt and a wide brimmed hat, and keep out of the sun at the hottest times of the day between 12pm and 3pm.

Air travel can usually be undertaken until the 36th week of pregnancy, but after 28 weeks most airlines need a letter from your GP saying you are fit to fly. If you’ve had any health problems check with your GP that it’s all right for you to fly.

Make sure that your travel insurance is valid for pregnancy and that it covers a newborn in case the baby arrives early.

6. Use natural protection from mosquitos

Citronella oil, wearing protective clothing and using mosquito nets will all help to protect you from mosquitoes in countries where there is no danger from serious disease.

Zika virus

If you are are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, you are being advised not to travel to areas affected by the Zika virus as the virus can cause a serious birth defect known as Microcephaly (small head). Pregnant women who have recently travelled to a country where active Zika transmission is reported should notify their GP, obstetrician or midwife. As the virus can spread through semen, if a partner has just returned from one of the countries affected by the Zika virus, couples are being advised not try for a baby for at least eight weeks even if they have had no symptoms. If the male partner has developed symptoms, which include rash, fever, joint pain, myalgia and conjunctivitis, the couple should extend the period of safe sex for six months. Pregnant women are also being advised not to have unprotected sex with a male partner who has visited affected countries for the whole of their pregnancy.

For more information about the dangers of the Zika virus during pregnancy, visit here.

The information on this website is for general information and it is not intended as, nor should it be considered as a substitute for seeing your own GP, midwife or healthcare professional. You are advised to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns or suspect you have a medical problem.